The end may be fast approaching for the Paramount Network’s blockbuster series Yellowstone, according to a new report. The show is set to end after the upcoming second half of its fifth seasons.

The issue appears to be a clash between the show’s star Kevin Costner, who has reportedly expressed a desire to significantly cut down on his workload for the fifth season to focus on other projects, and its creator and show runner Taylor Sheridan, who sources claimed had developed a significant ego after becoming a major player in the film and television industry.

‘It’s the same as with any show runner and big star — there’s respect, but there’s friction,’ a source described as ‘well-placed’ within the production said.

Adding to the uncertainty around the series is the lack of a date to resume filming for the second half of the latest season, which could be disrupted by an impending shutdown after members of the Writers Guild of America voted to authorize a strike over pay issues.

Another ‘highly placed Hollywood’ source suggested that some of the blame for the ‘friction’ on set lies with its creator. 

‘Taylor is the star of his show. He’s the most important person on all of his shows,’ they said.

The first half of the fifth season ended back in January, but so far a date hasn’t even been set yet to start production on the second half, leaving it potentially vulnerable to the likely writers strike.

However, the production source said: ‘We’re hoping it will be worked out. It’s too big a show for things not to be worked out.

‘Hopefully Kevin will return for the remaining episodes, if everyone works together, but it looks like Yellowstone will end after this season.’

But a third source who knows Sheridan seemed to suggest that the writer and director was keeping the negotiations close to the vest, making it difficult to get a sense of what is really going on behind the scenes.

‘Only Taylor truly knows what what is going on,’ they said mysteriously.